HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2009-129 Sponsored by: Oates
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 -129
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, IN SUPPORT OF HOME- PORTING THE ALASKA REGION
RESEARCH VESSEL IN SEWARD AND DESIGNATING THE CITY OF
SEWARD AS TIIE NORTHERN MARITIME RESEARCH CAPITAL OF
ALASKA AND REQUESTING THE STATE OF ALASKA TO ENDORSE
THIS DESIGNATION
WHEREAS, the University of Alaska has announced that it plans to dock the new, 242 -foot.
state -of -the -art Alaska Region Research Vessel in Seward upon completion; and
WHEREAS, Seward is the logical choice for home - porting of the Alaska Region Research
Vessel, as it is strategically positioned in South Central Alaska with the protection of Resurrection
Bay; and
WHEREAS, supplies and equipment can easily reach the vessel, as Seward is on the road
system with access to the railroad, a deep draft, ice free port, freight dock, and a local air port; and
WHEREAS, stationing the ARRV in Seward will contribute to the year -round economy with
ANEW
additional jobs and support services for the vessel; and
WHEREAS, the presence of the ARRV in Seward will provide our students a tangible
example of the importance of math and science career fields, and will provide a valuable conduit for
marine students pursuing marine training programs at the University and the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center; and
WHEREAS, Seward has historically been home port to the M/V Alpha Helix and offers a
cost effective location for the new ARRV operations and maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Seward has long served both geographically and practically as a hub in the field
of northern marine research; and
WHEREAS, Seward's location on Resurrection Bay lends itself to marine research and
education by many groups including the University of Alaska: School of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, the Alaska Sea Life Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
Aluutiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery, U.S. Coast Guard, and more; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward, the Alaska Sea Life Center, and the University of Alaska
have worked together to strengthen Seward as an active hub for sub - arctic, arctic and northern
marine research; and
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 —129
WHEREAS, the geographic location of Seward (on the Anchorage road system) makes this
research location more easily accessible for researchers and members of the global scientific
community; and
WHEREAS, a primary goal of the City of Seward, in partnership with the Alaska Sea Life
Center, is to designate Seward as the northern marine research capital of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Seward annually hosts the Alaska Regional Ocean Science Bowl, attracting
high school students and coaches from around the State to compete in northern marine Science in
Seward and hosted the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in 2008; and
WHEREAS, by obtaining City and State designation as the Maritime Research Capital of
Alaska, and eventually the United States, Seward could greatly increase grant writing possibilities
and potential to obtain grant funds for the State of Alaska, City of Seward, the Alaska Sea Life
Center and other marine research and educational organizations; and
WHEREAS, this designation will increase the State of Alaska, the City of Seward and the
Alaska SeaLife Center's reputation as a competitive facility for northern, arctic and sub - arctic global �.
marine research; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2009 -10 was adopted on October 21, 2009 from the Seward Port
and Commerce Advisory Board which supports home - porting the Alaska Region Research Vessel in
Seward; and
WHEREAS, home porting the ARRV in Seward and designating the City of Seward as the
Northern Maritime Research Capital of Alaska is consistent with the City of Seward's
Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council is in full support of home- porting the Alaska Region Rescarch
Vessel in Seward.
Section 2. The City Council designates the City of Seward as the Northern Marine Research
Capital of Alaska and respectfully requests the State of Alaska to endorse this designation.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 —129
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 23` day
of November 2009.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Willard E. Dunham, Mayor
AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Smith, Keil, Shafer, Ambcrg, Dunham
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk,
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Council Agenda Statement e
1)
Meeting Date: November 23, 2009 14-.4-0-1"
From: Phillip Oates, City Manager
Agenda Item: Support for home- porting the Alaska Region Research Vessel in
Seward and Designating the City of Seward as the Northern Marine
Research Capital of Alaska
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: ort for
Seward's proximity to year - round, ice free Resurrection Bay has long made it a welcoming, port
northern, sub - arctic and arctic marine research organizations. This proximity, in conjunction with the
City of Seward's location on the road and rail system (approximately two hours south of Anchorage),
makes Seward relatively easy to access for traveling members of the scientific community.
For twelve years, the Seward Marine Center in cooperation with the University of Alaska Fairbanks;
School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, has hosted the Alaska Regional Ocean Science Bowl. This
academic competition attracts high school students and coaches from around the state. In 2009, the
Alaska SeaLife Center in partnership with the City of Seward, hosted the National Ocean Sciences
Bowl competition. This recognition has further increased Seward's strong reputation as a hub for
marine research and awareness within the scientific community of Alaska. Seward's local resources,
progressive harbor improvements and City commitment create an ideal location for cutting edge
marine research.
The City of Seward, the Alaska Sea Life Center, and the University of Alaska have worked together
to strengthen Seward as an active hub for sub- arctic, arctic and northern marine research. A primary
goal of the City of Seward, in partnership with the Alaska Sea Lite Center, is to designate Seward as
the northern marine research capital of Alaska. By obtaining City and State recognition as the
Maritime Research Capital of Alaska, and eventually the United States, Seward could greatly increase
the grant writing possibilities and potential to obtain grant funds for the State of Alaska, City of
Seward, the Alaska Sea Life Center and other marine research and educational organizations. This
designation will further increase the State of Alaska, the City of Seward and the Alaska SeaLife
Center's reputation as a competitive facility for northern, arctic and sub- arctic global marine research.
The University of Alaska (UAF) anticipates competition of the construction of their state -of- the -art,
242 -foot Alaska Region Research Vessel in 2014. UAF has announced their intent to dock this vessel
in Scward. Scward's designation as Alaska's Northern Marine Research Capital and long history of
marine research compliments this partnership. This initiative would provide additional recognition to
community partners including the University of Alaska: School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the
Alaska Sca Life Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alutic Shellfish
Hatchery, U.S. Coast Guard, and more.
ATTORNEY REVIEW: No
99
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive
Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures.
FISCAL NOTE:
Approved by Finance Department
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution2009- in full support of home-porting the Alaska Region Research Vessel in
Seward and designating the City of a to as the Northern this d e Research Capital of Alaska and
respectfully requesting the State of Alask
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